KATHMANDU, Jan 31: World Bank has said that it would help to promote Buddhist Circuits tourism.
The World Bank brought together stakeholders of the Buddhist pilgrimage industry like hoteliers and tour operators to discuss on ways to promote Buddhist sites in Nepal, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka as integrated Buddhist Circuits destinations.
Buddhist Circuits Tour to begin from July
Speaking at the event, Bikram Pandey, a tourism entrepreneur from Nepal, asked the World Bank to play the role of a go-between the government and the Buddhist tourism sector, and safeguard the interest of private sector players. He further requested the bank to ensure the smooth and hassle-free development of Buddhist Circuits tourism.
Pandey has been promoting cross-border tourism between Nepal and India through Buddhist Circuits tourism.
Similarly, speaking at the event, Professor of Nalanda University, India, Ravindra Panth, expressed frustrations at the Indian government for not being friendly toward the industry. Likewise, Stefania Abakerli, Senior Development Planner of Cultural Heritage and Inclusive Tourism Development, South Asia Region, World Bank, assured that the World Bank would play the role of a facilitator between Buddhist Circuits tourism players and the respective government machinery.
Bikram Pandey Kaji, who also holds the title of Goodwill Ambassador from the Lumbini Development Trust, thanked the World Bank for taking such meaningful and spiritual initiative to bring together Buddhist Circuits tourism players and government bureaucracies for bringing economic benefits to the people of Buddhist Circuits destinations.
